At the 2024 UK National Honey Show, the most prestigious honey competition in the world, which took place in London from October 24 to 26, beekeepers from two OECS Member States achieved a historic victory. Dominica participated and took the top place in the International Honey category for the first time in the show’s 100-year history.
Beekeeper Nathaniel Lovell established the Dominican honey company La Vie Miel, which won the coveted Class 9 award, demonstrating the remarkable quality of Dominican honey globally.
In the “Best International Honey, Class 10: One Jar of Clear Honey” category, Saint Lucia took first place, making headlines as well. With award-winning honey from Vincent “JEG” Clarke of View Forte, Saint Lucia achieved its second year at the top. Saint Lucian beekeepers accounted for three of the top seven spots, while Emerald Farms of Soufriere came in second, and Donson Stanley, the winner from the previous year, came in fourth. The only other winning entries were from South Africa, showcasing the quality of Caribbean beekeeping worldwide.
This international victory for Dominica’s Lovell, which runs more than 100 beehives in seven apiaries, builds on prior successes, such as first place at the 2023 Saint Lucia Honey Show, which was sponsored by the European Union (EU)-funded BioSPACE Project on behalf of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission. His honey was recognized as Best in Show, Best Dark Amber Honey, and Best Light Amber Honey.
“It feels great to have this acknowledged at the highest level, as I’ve always believed that our Dominican honey has special and unique qualities,” Lovell remarked. “Representing my nation and putting Dominica on the map in this global arena makes me proud.”
Lovell’s La Vie Miel brand demonstrates the varied potential of Dominican honey. It is well-known for its assortment of seasonal honey and speciality goods, including Savonette Honey, Creamed Honey, and Hot Honey. La Vie Miel introduces the distinct aromas of Caribbean honey to the world through local sales and exports to Saint Martin and Tortola.
Support for regional beekeeping programs like the Hewanorra (OECS) Honey Show, which started in 2021, has been a significant factor in the recent accomplishments of Saint Lucia and Dominica. The event gives OECS members the chance to compete both locally and globally. The Iyanola Apiculture Collective organizes it with assistance from several regional and worldwide organizations. “Beekeeping was one of the main economic drivers in the Caribbean for 200 years, and we hope to keep this tradition alive—not only for its economic benefits but also to support our people and the planet,” said Richard Matthias, President of the Iyanola Apiculture Collective.
These triumphs serve as a rallying cry for regional assistance and laws that safeguard the integrity and prospects of honey production throughout the Caribbean. To protect the local market from the consequences of imported, contaminated honey, Caribbean beekeepers have continuously argued for the necessity of standardized testing and protections. Dominican and Saint Lucian beekeepers have proved the Caribbean’s ability to compete on a worldwide scale, which the OECS and other stakeholders acknowledge, highlighting the significance of sustained investment and support in the sector.
